Steve Ralphs Scythian Horse Bows

These bows were part of a batch made and used in the film Arthur, made by Steve Ralphs ( the bow and arrow man). Steve has either made the bows or been involved in virtually every film made that has archery in it, he makes Longbows and every kind of historical bow.

I bought these bows, 6 of them, not just because of their interest as film props but as working, shooting bows for a bit of fun.

Made from Fibreglass with a few wood and leather accents the bows of course are not replicas just look-a-likes of the real thing. In draw weights from 30# to 50# they actually do shoot ok. The glass limbs are dressed in faux leather with thonging at various point - they are all different to look at but conform to the same dimensions.

54" long and when drawn and producing the radical shape that marks out the Horse bows styles. As an almost indestructible bow it has an unlimited draw length.

They are well before center but with the right spined arrow shoot straight as you please, considering the rudimentary materials ( a curly stick of fibreglass covered in fake leather) there is remarkably little handshock and although they are not the fastest of bows, they were not intended for competition, the heaviest shoots a light arrow at around 140fps, so these are definitely not toys. More for the reinactor than out and out archer which sounds a little pompous because these bows have been a lot of fun to shoot and fun is what we are after isn't it?

The Horse bow style always produces a bow which draws up lighter than the weight would suggest and these are no exception, even after I had weighed the heaviest I still found it difficult to believe it was the weight it was, all these types of bow are sweet to draw.

At the price of £80 these bows are certainly not over priced and offer a lot of fun for not much money.

Rating

Features & Design

Produced with all glass/resin to look like a horse bow and covered in fake leather

Performance

A fun bow which looks good buit in terms of performance .... shoot it just for fun

Value for Money

£80 for an almost indestructable bow

Overall

Hang it on the wall, thow it in the back of the car, leave it strung for a year - you won't hurt this bow, shoot it for fun an d it's £80 well spent.

Your Comments

Tell us what you think, do you agree with the review or have something to add?

Posted by:
Joe Summy
on Dec 13, 18:31

I am interested in a horse bow for hunting; need one of about 40 lb pull…and shorter than my 60” recurve

I have a bad shoulder been operated on so I don’t want to invest in an expensive one.

Until I know if it will would out.

Yours sound about right. Any more info helpful. I assume I would have to order from UK.

Appreciate any input.

Joe Summy

Johnson City, TX

Posted by:
Andy@archers-review
on Dec 14, 11:03

Hi Joe..

These were originally made as film props, but Steve Ralphs makes lower poundage horse bows. You can email him on…

stephen.ralphs@virgin.net

Or see his website here…

http://www.steveralphs.co.uk/

Regards
Andy..

Posted by:
yohan
on Jul 11, 15:02

robin hood 2010 film let me know bows that you make from which wood and the bow poundage?

Posted by:
don larson
on Aug 28, 01:18

how much for a 60’‘ horse bow maroon in color thanks

Posted by:
John
on Feb 7, 20:44

Are there any of the above Scythian bows left? ‘

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Essential Details

What : Steve Ralphs Scythian Horse BowsPrice : £80

It looks the part...

..and they draw sweet enough.

Steve and Andy

Steve Nicholson and Andy Gilfrin, are real archers interested in the best archery suppliers have to offer. In our search for the very best bow, arrows and equipment we have shot, used and worn pretty much everything on offer.

We value feedback from users and suppliers and are keen to hear from you if you wish to contact us about anything on the website.